I can see where people are coming from considering themselves middle class making 200k household income. In order to to have the things my parents had growing u

I can see where people are coming from considering themselves middle class making 200k household income. In order to to have the things my parents had growing up in California today (own a decent home, saving for retirement and 2x college funds, go on vacation every couple years), 200k is a reasonable goal. That wouldn't make my household anywhere near median income, but it would meet a the American cultural ideal that many people are working towards. Incredibly, my Dad was able to provide these things being the sole earner in the family as a construction foreman.